The Generational Gap in Rap, Lonzo Ball Doesn’t Listen to Nas

As a millennial, we tend to sway towards the new age of hip hop and forget about the icons who elongated the genre’s lifespan. This became clear when the Lakers No. 2 pick Lonzo Ball decided to call out legendary rapper Nas.

Seemingly taking after his father, Lavar (who says he would have beaten Michael Jordan in 1-on-1 back in the day), Lonzo favors the new age rappers over the genre’s legends. This was revealed during the first episode of the reality series Ball in the Family, where Lonzo’s family told him to listen to “real hip-hop.” The NBA signee responded, “That’s not gonna happen. Y’all outdated, man. Don’t nobody listen to Nas no more. Real hip-hop is Migos and Future.”

Some might agree with Lonzo’s statement, but I think it’s safe to say that the majority of us, regardless of what generation we come from, can agree that Nas is a rap legend. For being such a huge fan of rap music, you would think Lonzo would at least feel that slamming an iconic rap artist’s name is plain out disrespectful.

The 90s birthed some of the greatest rap artists whom we still listen to today, however they’ve been lost amongst this generation’s mumble rap and hip pop artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Future and Migos. However, hip-hop’s legends should be commended for setting up the foundation for rap, and should not be forgotten or disrespected in any sense.

It’s important to not let quality music fade away, and let’s give credit where it’s due. Recognize rap legends, DJs, and the progression (or digression) that’s occurring in hip-hop.